Submitted by Erica Davis, Plainview, New York
Idea posted March 28, 2002
Some little things that have made a difference for me...
I play it for them "correctly," and then I play what I heard them play (and I exaggerate it). They will usually laugh and then imitate what I play after that.
If they're not phrasing, try making up words to a song without them. That will help them hear the phrasing.
If they're overblowing, have a contest to see who can play the most quietly and still get a sound. Technically, make sure they're not putting too much of the mouthpiece in their mouths. Blow as if you're cooling soup, but don't blow so hard that the soup blows off the spoon!